How do I safely thaw frozen breast milk?

Don't lose those precious nutrients you worked so hard for.

SO YOU'VE WORKED HARD TO BUILD UP YOUR SUPPLY OF BREAST MILK IN THE FREEZERS BUT NOW WHAT? THAWING IT CORRECTLY WILL PROTECT THE NUTRIENTS.

The easiest way to thaw frozen breast milk that has been expressed is to just place it in the refrigerator or leave it at room temperature. It can also be defrosted by leaving it standing in lukewarm water. Or this Express and Go warmer is equipped with special settings to defrost frozen breastmilk.

Do NOT be tempted to microwave it even if you are in a hurry. Not only will this destroy all the nutrients in your milk, but it can cause ‘hot spots’ which might burn your baby’s mouth.

If you have defrosted milk in the refrigerator, it can be stored in there for 24 hours as long as you have not warmed it. If you defrosted it at room temperature, you can keep it in the refrigerator for 4 hours. However, Do not be tempted to refreeze it.

Finally, if your baby isn’t that hungry and there is breast milk left after a feed then, however much you’ll hate doing it, you should throw away the rest.